"Political debate in the 1970s and beyond revolved around diverse loyalties to emerging and declining industries, perfectly captured in 'Relic Composition' of 1975 with direct reference to both the potential of, and consequences from the discovery of oil in the North Sea. 'Rig and Platform' (1978-1985) comes from this era and is an unusual subject, largely untreated in Scottish art… As Scott recalled, “I had access to some oil rig sites and shipyards and was fascinated by the huge scale and the way that construction depended on a busy set of small nurturing humans.” In the end, we are presented with an impression, an icon and symbol rather than a functioning rig model. He evokes themes of community and tradition – dependence and independence in mutual play."
Andrew Patrizio